Picture a classroom environment where students actively engage with health care career pathways, gaining firsthand experience rather than simply learning about them in textbooks. That’s the vision behind the Pathways in Practice initiative, led by the Detroit Regional Chamber’s TalentEd program and designed to bridge the gap between education and industry, giving high school students a unique opportunity to explore the world of health care.
Goals of the Pathways in Practice Initiative
The Pathways in Practice initiative expands students’ understanding of health care careers, fosters direct engagement with industry professionals, and connects them to academic advisors who help chart their educational paths. These objectives are achieved through hands-on classroom activities that make learning interactive and meaningful.
Learning Through Experience: Activity Highlights
During visits, health care experts deliver presentations and real-world demonstrations, making complex medical concepts accessible and engaging for students. These sessions include interactive Q&A opportunities, encouraging students to participate and deepen their understanding.
- Nephrology 101: Students learned to diagnose common kidney issues using medical images, symptoms, and test results with Wayne State University’s Omer Alrawi.
- Traumatic Injury Images: Teams worked together to analyze medical images and identify causes of various injuries with Trinity Health.
- Recalled Product Simulation: Students role-played recalling a defective medical product, collaborating to find solutions in a high-stakes environment with Corewell Health.
Pathways Represented and Partners Involved
The initiative brings together a range of health care pathways and industry partners, including physical therapy, nephrology, imaging, radiology, and the medical equipment supply chain. These visits took place in 2025, providing students the chance to interact with professionals from various sectors — both clinical and non-clinical. Looking ahead, the program aims to expand to include additional health care roles, continuing to broaden opportunities for students interested in this field.
What Are Students and Partners Saying?
Participating high schools currently include L’Anse Creuse, Southfield Arts & Technology, Crockett Midtown, Pontiac, and UPrep Science & Math, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive:
- “I hope that I have college professors like this.”
- “[My students] couldn’t stop talking about how much they learned and how much they enjoyed.”
- “I had the best time supporting those young people; it warmed my heart.”
- “The students were wonderful — curious, engaged, and a pleasure to speak with. I’m grateful for the opportunity.”
Stronger Connections, Brighter Futures
Pathways in Practice is more than a program — it’s a movement to empower the next generation of health care professionals. By fostering meaningful connections between students, industry leaders, and academic advisors, this initiative is laying the foundation for student success in health care and beyond.
Interested in getting involved or learning more? Contact Gillian Ryan at gryan@detroitchamber.com for more information.